Vettori to depart as Heat coach

Former Kiwi spinner to leave Brisbane after four years in charge of Heat

The Brisbane Heat are on the lookout for a new coach, following news that Daniel Vettori will not seek a contract renewal for next season.

Vettori will finish his tenure when the Heat complete their BBL|08 season, having led the Brisbane side through four campaigns since taking the head coaching role back in 2015.

"After careful consideration over the past few weeks, I have decided not to seek a contract renewal as head coach of the Brisbane Heat," Vettori said in a statement on Saturday.

"I informed the General Manager of my decision prior to the game against Melbourne Stars at the MCG and that was accepted by the club. I told the playing group and coaching and support staff of my decision before last night’s match.

"I have loved my time at Brisbane, firstly as a player and then as coach, and the experience of being part of the growth of the BBL has been personally rewarding.

"I would like to thank the players for their efforts and wish them all the best in their respective careers. There is some exceptional talent within that group and I hope they have every opportunity to realise their ability and potential in the future.

"Thank you to all the professional and dedicated support staff and coaches – they have done sterling work for the team over the years. I wish the Heat organisation all the best into the future."

Heat annihilate Stars as sixes rain

The Heat currently sit in fourth place on the BBL ladder and can still play finals if results go their way on the final two days of the regular season.

Their first requirement is for the Hurricanes to defeat the Thunder in Canberra on Saturday night, or for the Sydney team to win narrowly and for their run rate not to go past the Heat’s.

They then need the Melbourne Stars to lose to the Sydney Sixers at the MCG on Sunday, which would setup a cut-throat semi-final in Hobart against the Hurricanes.

McCullum's epic fielding in BBL|08

The Heat’s final regular season game saw them produce a superb batting performance with the bat to defeat the Stars by 10 wickets at the Gabba on Friday night.

It was the final home game for New Zealander Brendon McCullum and ultimately the last match at the Gabba for fellow Kiwi Vettori.

Adding intrigue to the future of the Heat's coaching position, McCullum made it clear he was keen to transition to a coaching role after finishing his playing commitments with other domestic T20 competitions in 2019, potentially paving the way for him to return as a rookie head coach of the Heat for BBL|09.

"It was important for us to do our best to send Baz off a winner in our last home game but equally so for Dan,'' Heat captain Chris Lynn said.

"His composure throughout our campaigns has been a constant in the background and I'm grateful to have benefited from his experience and knowledge of the game."